PhD and Periods

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It’s been ten months since I joined my PhD program and it seems like sufficient time for me to talk about my experience so far – specifically about…my menstrual cycle! I have been an academic girlie my whole life, but I never quite realized how much my hormonal cycle was affecting my work productivity, till I joined for PhD. The most salient feature of any PhD program is the need for self-discipline and the volume of creativity to get through any work assignment that comes one’s way. This means that for the first time in 25 years – I was the true master of my own time.

I believe this is the reason why in over a decade of being declared a woman, my brain never registered signs of my body backing down, each time I was close to my periods. Having a factory-set routine can really numb these signs. I was proud of myself for being able to travel four hours a day, work eight hours, six days a week and then make it to church every Sunday. But ever since last October, when my body finally had the chance to slow down and rest, I realized how much stress I was putting my body through.

I understand that talking about something as personal as one’s menstrual cycle is still implicitly frowned upon in our society. But all of my life, I have struggled so much because of not aligning with my bodily state that now that I finally know what to do, I had to document it.

So, here are some of the things I learnt along the way:

1. My best creative work comes the week after my periods! We call it the follicular phase. I learnt to set my major deadlines this week, and prioritize all my social commitments during this time. Especially since I felt the most energetic and calm during this time.

2. The week after this aka the ovulatory phase, hormones are running high. This is a touch-and-go situation for me. I have realized this is the best time to work on passion projects with no major deadlines. This keeps my creativity streak going and allows me to ruminate on whatever material I have been reading without any pressure of churning out words.

3. The luteal phase is the toughest for me. I struggle with major pre-menstrual symptoms which range from physical discomfort, pain and cramps to mood swings and perpetual feelings of dread and fear. My best bet during this time is to not make any major decisions in my personal life or commit to any major work projects. Self-preservation is my mantra during this time and I focus a lot on reading non-academic books of interest (mainly fiction), focusing on my nutrition intake (protein and iron have become my best friends!) and reconnecting with myself and my safe people.

4. The menstrual phase surprisingly is a time of great mental calm for me, regardless of the body-crunching physical pain I go through. It’s the best time to plan the week ahead, continue reading papers for my work projects and whip out new ideas I would want to test out when I get to the peak of my health, all while indulging in some delicious chocolate dessert I love!

My family, colleagues and friends have been a huge source of support during this time. Seeking them out has probably been the best decision I have made in this journey. I am looking forward to learning more and more about myself as I grow older. But for now, I really hope that with me sharing my experience, my fellow humans with a menstrual cycle and everyone in their life, know when best to engage their creative energies and when to let them cocoon and protect themselves.

May the loving grace of life ever be with you!

Comments

  1. MuskanSeptember 12, 2024 at 7:59 PM

    I truly enjoyed reading this post—it resonated with me on so many levels. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It’s crucial that more awareness around this topic makes its way into mainstream discussions. As women, we navigate natural cycles that can significantly impact our productivity, yet we often encounter indifference or a lack of understanding in the workplace. There's this common attitude of, "It's just a period, what's the big deal?" But it is a big deal! The physical and emotional effects of these cycles are real, and they deserve to be acknowledged and accommodated with more empathy and support. This conversation is long overdue.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 12, 2024 at 9:10 PM

    Your honesty and self-awareness are inspiring

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousSeptember 13, 2024 at 10:47 AM

    I had never thought of it in phases before this although I'd seen posts online about these very phases you mentioned. What resonated with me is the impact on productivity that our periods have on us, women, and to a great extent, it explains the question I've been long pondering "Why are so many productivity experts men?" I would love to discuss this more with you. Really glad to see that the PhD time has been a good place for you to work at your own pace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TasminSeptember 13, 2024 at 10:47 AM

      Sorry, I forgot to add my name here.

      Delete
  4. SimiSeptember 13, 2024 at 11:09 AM

    Such a brilliant self-understanding post. Continue to grow in God's wisdom, esp.in who you are. ♡

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousSeptember 14, 2024 at 11:55 AM

    As a male reader I didn't know about the connection between menstrual cycle and creativity n productivity. And about all the detailed phases

    Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousOctober 19, 2024 at 9:52 PM

    Very well done sharlin!! Putting it on a piece of paper what your body and mind goes through is amazing.

    ReplyDelete

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